Benjamin Banneker’s life (1731-1806) took an interesting turn when he was inspired by the “sidewalk astronomy” of a neighbor to take up amateur astronomy at the age of 57. Within a few years time, he had the opportunity to work with the most precise scienti�c instrument made in America, to participate in the surveying of the nation’s new capital city, to exchange letters on human rights with Thomas Je�erson, and to write a series of almanacs that were among the best-selling books of their time and place. This presentation will illustrate this exciting moment in history with a look at the math, physics, and astronomy Banneker used, and will discuss the impact of his work on the abolitionist movement in America and abroad. Finally, we will celebrate the life of Benjamin Banneker with the naming of Asteroid Banneker (155083), one of a number of asteroids recently discovered by the Calvin College Observatory.

A Celebration of Benjamin BannekerThe First African American Scientist

Wed. February 17, 20107pm, Calvin CollegeScience Building Rm 010

Presentation by Calvin College Prof. Larry Molnar (Physics and Astronomy) and Prof. Eric Washington (History)

Sponsored by: • Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomy Association• Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium of the Grand Rapids Public Museum• Calvin College Departments of:

African and African Diaspora StudiesPhysics and Astronomy History Geology, Geography, and Environmental Studies

There will be refreshments preceding the presentation, and free observatory tours following.